Process of making playing-balls.



PATENTED AUG. 13

I'. 1I. RICHARDS. PROCESS 0F MAKING PLAYING BALLS.

APLIoATloN FILED ooT.24,.19 o2.

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No. 863,448. PATENTED AUG. 13. 1907.

` PQE. RICHARDS.

PROCESS OP vMAKIllGr PLAYING BALLS.

APPLI'OATION HLED ooT.z4, 1902. f

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FRANCIS H. RICHARDS, OF HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT.

PROCESS OF MAKING FrLAYING-BALLS.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Aug. 13, 1907.

Application led October 24,1902. Serial No. 128,529.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, FRANCIS H. RICHARDS, a citizen of the United States,residing at Hartford, in the county of Hartford and State ofConnecticut, have invented certain new and useful Improvements inProcesses of Making Playing-Balls, of which the following is a speci-Iication.

This invention relates to playing balls, and to method and means formaking the same; and it consists substantially in the improvementshereinafter described.

The requirements of a playing ball vary, of course, according to thenature of the game for which the ball is to be used, it being wellunderstood, for instance, that a golf-ball should be both hard andresilient, so as to withstand the force of impact of the driving stickor other implement employed therefor; and that the ball should alsopossess the capacity to travel long distances under heavy blows as wellas comparatively short distances under light blows. To best meet theserequirements in a golf-ball it has been suggested hitherto, in someinstances, to so construct the ball as that a state of tension isimparted to the shell or outer structure thereof (the interior of theball being variously constituted), and this construction has proveneffective, besides serving to preserve the sphericity of the ballagainst forces tending to destroy the same. In making such a ball,however, the employment of skilled labor is frequently necessary, sincegreat care must be exercised in order to derive an equal tensionthroughout all points of the shell or outer structure ofthe ball, andconsequently the expense of manufacture is very great. It may be statedalso that in a playing ball of this particular type the tension of theshell or outer structure thereof should be regulated in an exact degreeproportionate to the depth or thickness of said shell or outer structurerelatively to the diameter of the body or internal structure of theball; but hitherto it has been practically impossible to thus constructthe ball, owing chieiiy to the lack of adequate means whereby the`outward pressure of the internal structure thereof may be properlyVaried.

One of the principal objects of the present invention is to provide aplaying ball having a shell or outerl structure normally under a stateof tension; and to provide an improved process of making the ball.

A further object is to provide means whereby, in the process of makingthe ball, the tension of the shell or outer structure thereof may beuniformly regulated; and to increase the efficiency of the ball, as wellas to cheapen the cost of manufacture thereof.

A still further object of the invention is to provide means whereby, inthe process of making the ball, the pressure of the internal structurethereof may also be regulated or varied to any desired degree.

The above and additional objects are attained by means substantiallysuch as are illustrated in the accompanyi ng drawings in which Figure lis a part longitudinal sectional elevation of an apparatus or means formaking playing balls in accordance with my invention; and Fig. 2 is apart vertical transverse sectional elevation thereof. Fig. 3, isa detailview of the means employed for causing the rotatable driving members ofthe machine to be thrown into and out of engagement with each other; andFig. 4, is a perspective view of one of the hcmispherical sectionspreferably employed in the manufacture of the shell or outer structureof the ball. Fig. 5, is a detail view representing more clearly theconstruction and operation of the machine shown in Fig. 3.

Before proceeding with a more detailed description it may be stated thatthe shell or outer structure of my improved playing ball may be of anysuitable material, as rubber of a relatively firm quality,nitrocellulose compounds, or gutta-percha, or analogous preparations orsubstances; but for golf-balls I prefer to use a shell or outerstructure comprising gutta-percha segments which are previously formedinto shape by pressure in suitable dies or molds, the edges of saidsegments being subsequently welded together in the formation of a shellor outer structure which is compact and firm and of substantially equalquality throughout the full area or extent thereof. I may form saidshell or outer structure of any depth or thickness desired, and in someinstances I prefer to form the same of two or more laminated segments orlayers, in which case the adjoining surfaces of the lamin or layers arepreferably first prepared for effective joinder thereof by applyingthereto a suitable celncnt or solvent by which to render thempractically integral with cach other. For the purpose of filling theshell or outer structure after completion thereof, I form therein arelatively small perforation through which is forced any suitablematerial or stock to constitute the body or internal structure of theball, such material or stock possessing, under compression, a mobilityapproaching the state of fluidity. By the continued forcing in of thismaterial or stock the internal structure of the ball may be caused toimpart to the shell or outer structure thereof any desired tension tosupport the same against the force of the blows to which the ball may besubjected; and the said filling or internal structure of the ball may beconstituted of rubber or other elastic material cut up or severed intoblocks or cubes, or of a continuous cord or thread covered with rubberand forced into the shell or outer structure in any suitable manner. y

I employ a simple and effective machine for making the ball andpreferably one which is thrown out of action automatically on completionof the operation of forcing into the external structure of the ball thematerial or stock employed for the internal structure thereof; it beingunderstood, however, that my improved process is entirely independent ofthe means by which the same may be carried into effect.

Speeic reference being had to the accompanying drawings by thedesignating characters marked thereon, A represents a suitable base uponwhich is rigidlymounted at one end a pedestal a, formed at a suitableheight with a forward projection or shelf b, the inner side c, of saidpedestal being preferably flat and vertical, as shown, while the uppersurface of said projection or shelf is also flat but substantiallyhorizontal, also as shown. The underside b2 of the projection or shelfis also flat and horizontal for a part of its width, and intersects withthe upper end of the inner side c, of" the pedestal a, in a curve d,(see Fig. 1), all for the purpose hereinafter more fully explained. Thesaid pedestal is formed with or surmounted by an extension or pillar e,preferably of reduced horizontal dimensions, and upon the upper end ofwhich is held or supported a sleeve or bearing f, in which is held asleeve e2 through which passes a rotatable shaft g, having looselymounted thereon a driving pulley B, the hub h, of which is preierablyconstructed with a disk Bf having a fiat vertical face i, formed orprovided at a suitable point contiguous to the edge thereof with a pinor projection lc. The inner end of the said shaft g, is provided with acrank or eccentric comprising preferably a disk or ring C, having a pinZ, working in a recess therefor inthe inner face of a verticallyreciprocatable head or slide D, which is supported in suitable guides 2,2, therefor mounted upon the upper surface of the pedestal a, (see Fig.3); and movably suspended at m, from the inner face of saideccentric-disk or ring is preferably a substantially circular yoke orframe Cf, which loosely encircles the inner portion of shaft g, and isprovided with a lug or member n, designed to engage with the pin orprojection lc, on the inner face of the disk Bf, of pulley B, in themanner and for the purpose hereinafter explained, said lug or member nbeing normally held to such engagement by means of a spring or otherpressure-device 3, and the normal position of said yoke or frame beingat an outward inclination relatively to the said inner face of theeccentric-disk or ring C. The disk BQ and the said movable yoke or frameCf thus constitute a clutch by which the pulley B, and theeccentric-disk or ring are caused to revolve with each other, as isapparent, and special means are to be hereinafter explained, whereby atcertain stages of the manufacture of a playing ball or similar sphericalbody in accordance with my invention, the said parts are automaticallydisengaged to stop the machine. The said vertically reciprocatable heador slide D, is formed with an outwardly projecting arm or projection 4,having therethrough a vertical bore or opening 5, in which is fixedlyheld by a set-screw or other means G, the upper member 7, of a plunger8, which is preferably constructed with an enlarged bodyportion 9, andan integral stem 10, of comparatively slender proportions, the saidbody-portion containing a cushion or spring 11, and having anindependent slidable movement upon the relatively fixed member 7, thelower end of the latter fitting within the upper end of the body-portionand forming a seat for the upper end or part of the said cushion orspring. The said body-portion is preferably square or rectangular incross-section,

as shown, and is fitted in a corresponding opening therefor formed in alower ledge or shelf 12, projecting from the side of the verticallyreeiprocatable slide D,herein before referred to; and in order that theindependently movable part of the plunger may be prevented from slippingthrough said opening, some suitable means are provided engaging theupper surface of the said ledge or shelf 12. Formed with or attached tothe outer side of said hollow body-portion of the plunger, and movabletherewith, is a plate 14, which slides up and down in a guide thereforin the ledge or shelf 12, and working in a vertical opening formed inthe slide D, is a pin 15, a spring 16, being also situated in saidopening, and having its bearings between the upper end of said pin andthe lower end of a screw 17, adjustable in the walls of the opening forthe purpose of regulating the tension of said spring. Located insuitable bearings therefor in the slide D, and transversely of thelatter, is a rotatable rod or shaft 18 of suitable length, and havingthereon oppositely disposed radial wings or blades 19, and 20, theformer one of which supports the lower end of the pin 15, while its ownend rests upon the upper end of the said slidable plate 14 (see Fig. l),the other one of said wings or blades being normally disengaged andfree, and the two said elements operating in the manner h ereinaftermore fully explained.

The outer end of the shaft g, is constructed with an irregularcam-surface 21, against which bears a friction roll or disk 22, carriedat the upper end of the shorter arm 23, of a lever E, pivoted at 24, toa bracket 25, on the outer side of the pillar e, the longer arm 2G, ofsaid lever being movably connected at 27, to the outer end of alongitudinally reciprocatable rod 28, the inner and upwardly curvedextremity of which is in similar connection at 29, with the upper end ofan arm 29u loosely supported upon the shaft 30, of the uppermost one ofa pair of vertically disposed feed rolls 3 1, and 32, mounted insuitable lbearings therefor in the upper part of the pedestal a, saidshaft of the said uppermost roll being provided adjacent to said armwith a ratchetwheel 33, the teeth of which are intermittently engaged bymeans of a pawl 34, pivoted to the side of the arm; the saidreciprocatable rod 2S, having connected to a lug 28 thereon, one end ofa spring 28", having its other end connected at 28c to the pedestal. Thesaid rolls 31, and 32, serve to intermittently feed a strip S5, ofelastic stock or filling material 36, for the ball through a guide 37,therefor located in a recess 38 in the projection b, of the pedestal,said guide being held in place by means of a set-screw 39, working inthethreaded wall of an opening 40, also formed in said projectionsubstantially at right angles to the said recess 38, As herein shown,the said guide 37, rests upon the innermost one of a pair of dies 41,and 42, said innermost die being constructed to `fit snugly within therecess form ed between the upper surface of the base A, and the adjacentstraight sides c, and bg, of the pedestal and projection b, thereof,respectively, and the vertical meeting faces 43 of the two dies beingeach formed with a semicircular recess 44, which between them constitutea hollow spherical cavity in which the hemispherical shell segments or`outer' structure of the ball 45, are contained during the process offilling or forcing into said outer structure the material or stock forconstituting the inner structiue of the ball. The said meeting ccedingeach inward feed of said strip,

faces 43, of the dies are held in close contact by any suitable means,preferably consisting herein of a yoke 4G, pivoted at 47, on oppositesides die 42, and having at about the central point of each arm ormember 48 thereof, a comparatively deep notch which is open at the loweredge of the said arm or member to permit the slightly curved sides ofthe notch to be moved down upon a pin 49, projecting from the pedestalat either side thereof, the said dies being in this way firmly lockedtogether; and the said arms or members 48, being provided at their freeends with outstanding handles 50, by which to effect both the raisingand lowering of the yoke when desired. It will thus be seen that thedies 41, and 42, are removable, and it should be stated that preferably,in the present instance, the innermost die is recessed at 51, a suitabledistance from the base A, to receive the curved portion of a pipe 52,which extends forwardly on opposite sides of both dies (see Fig. 2) forthe passage of steam or other heating agent, whereby said dies may beheated, if desired, during certain steps of my improved process.

At substantially a central point of the said meeting faces of the twodies an opening 53 is formed in the latter directly in line with andapproximately of the same size as the slender portion or stem 10, of theplunger 8, the said opening being in direct line vertically with theguide 37, for the filling material of the ball, see Fig. 1; and the endof said slender portion or stem of the plunger being beveled to form acutting edge 10EL thereon, so that portions of such material may besevered from the strip thereof on each descent of the said plunger.

In the present instance, the outer structure 45, of the ball to beconstructed is made up of two hemispherical segments of suitablematerial previously united or welded together at the edges, either bythe same dies 41 and 42, or other dies for the purpose, and the hollowshell or sphere thus constituted is formed therethrough with aperforation of relatively small size coinciding with the opening 53 inthe dies, and in said perforation a short tube 56, is inserted for theproper guidance through vand into the shell of the said plunger-stem.The shell or outer structure of the ball may be composed of a singlelayer only of the desired material, but in some eases l prefer to makethe same in two or more spherical laminae or layers, as hereinbeforespecified, and as indicated by the solid and dotted lines in Fig. l; thelines 1v, and y, representing the points of joinder or welding of themeeting edges of the segments of which the said shell or outer structureis composed in the first instance.

lt is apparent that by connecting the pulley B, with a belt from anysuitable source of driving power the head or slide D, will bereciprocated vertically, and at the same time the rod 28, will bereciprocated longitudinally of the machine by reason of engagement ofthe cani-surface 21, with the roll at the upper end of the shorter armof lever E, the feed-rolls for the strip of stock of filling materialfor the ball being thus operated intermittently to feed such stripthrough the guide therefor so as to carry the inner end of the stripinto position across the upper end of the short tube 56. A downwardmovement of the plunger takes place sucand during such movement aportion of the strip is severed or eut off and forced through the tube56, into the shell or outer of the outermost structure of the ball, thisoperation being permitted to continue until the internal structure ofthe ball is completed. As the said shell is thus gradually filled by thecubes or s'evered portions of the stock these cubes or severed portionsare acted upon by the end of the slender portion or stem 10, of theplunger in such manner as to become packed within the interior of theshell, and in this way any desired outward pressure of the internalstructure of the ball may be obtained. The strip of stock or fillingmaterial thus employed is preferably formed of rubber or other elasticmaterial, but, as before stated, my invention comprehends the use of acontinuous elastic cord which may be packed into the shell or outerstructure of the ball in like manner without cutting or severing thesame, in which case the stem of the plunger may be blunt or unsharpenedat the end, if desired.

I preferably employ suitable means for effecting stoppage of the machineautomatically on completion of the filling in of the stock or materialconstituting the internal structure of the ball, and hence one of thereasons for constructing the plunger in the manner herein shown anddescribed, since in this way the independently movable part of saidplunger is permitted to gradually rise upon the relatively stationarypart thereof, accordingly as the stock or material packed into the shellor outer structure of the ball reaches a greater height, the cushion orspring interposed be tween said movable and stationary parts of theplunger serving to give to the latter a yieldable action, as isapparent.

Mounted on a suitable fulcrum G0 (see Fig. 3), therefor is a hand-leverGl, having curved arm G2, formed with a wedge or tapered edge 63, andalso having an arm 64, to which is connected one end of a spring 04B,having a seat for the lower end thereof, the said spring tending tocarry the said wedge or tapered edge of the arm G2, into engagement withthe yoke or movable frame C, in such manner as to force the latteragainst the side of the ring or disk C, and thereby disconnect said ringor disk from the pulley ln order, however, to enable a clutch engagementto be effected between said pulley and said yoke or frame, whereby theslide D, may be reeiproeated, in the manner and for the purpose hereinset forth, l provide a suitable shaft (58, located parallel to thehand-lever 61, in bearings 69 therefor, said shaft being formed orprovided at its inner end with an arm 70, having a member 7l, forengaging an edge of a notch 72, formed in the lower curved edge of saidlever-arm 62; and said shaft. also being provided with a spring 75,tending to turn the shaft in the direction of the adjacent side of saidlever. By elevating the end of the arm 64, of the lever the curved armthereof is depressed, wlufrcupon the yoke or frame CV, is forced infoengagement with pulley B, the lever being held or maintained in theposition to which it is thus brought, by means of the member 7l, whichis carried into the notch 72, on the described aetion of said spring 75.On'withdrawal of the member 7l, from said notch the spring G4, exerts adownward pull on the lever-arm G4, and the wedge or curved edge of thearm 62 of said lever is carried in engagementwith the said yokeA orframe C, whereupon the machine ceases operation. To effect disengagementof the member 7l, from the edge of the notch 72, automatically, I

may provide any suitable means, preferably shown in the present instanceas an arm or member 7 5, projecting laterally from the shaft 68, andextending inward beneath the wing or blade 20, on the rod or shaft 1S,so that at the proper stage of the process of making a ball, the saidshaft 68 will be rocked in its bearing to withdraw the member 71, fromthe notch 72, and thus effect disengagement of the yoke or frame fromthe pulley.

During the operation of filling the shell by the means and in the'manneralready described, the gradual rise of the movable part of the plungerupon the relatively stationary part thereof, causes the plate 14, toexert a gradually increasing pressure upon the underside of blade orwing 19, of rod or shaft 1S, with each upward movement of the plunger',and the action of the machine is such that at about the time the fillingin of the external structure of the ball is completed, the blade 20,engages the said arm or member and thus causes release of the yoke orframe from its connection with the said pulley, wh ercupon by releasingthe fastening yoke for the dies the ball structure may be removed andthe perforation in the shell thereof properly plugged up in any suitablemanner. W ith the gradual riso of the independently movable part of theplunger the said rod or shaft 18, is of course gradually turned in itsbearing, and the consequent upward movement of the said blade or wing19, is against the pressure of the spring-pressed pin rest-ing thereon,the said pin coperating with the vertically movable plate on theplunger' to maintain the working organization of the elements described.

It may be stated that the machine herein described is simple andeffective for its purpose, and yet immaterial changes therein may bemade and still come within the scope of my invention.

Having thus described my invention, I claim- 1. A process of makingplaying balls and other similar bodies, consisting in forming a hollowspherical shell, and placing the same under tension, by forcing into theshell sections of elastic material.

2. A process of making playing balls and other similar bodies,consisting in l'orming a hollow spherical shell, and placing the sameunderv permanent outward tension. by forcing into the shell sections ofelastic material.

A process of making playing balls and other similar bodies, consistingin forming a hollow spherical shell, and placing the sameunder tensionfrom within, by forcing into the shell sections of elastic material.

4. A process of making playing balls and other similar bodies,consisting in forming a hollow spherical shell. and placing the sameunder outward tension from within, by forcing into the shell sections ofelastic material.

A process of making playing balls and other similar bodies, consistingin forming a hollow spherical shell, and placing the same underpermanent outward tension at all points thereof from within, by forcinginto the shell sections of elastic material.

G. A process of making playing balls and other similarl bodies,consisting in forming a hollow spherical shell. and placing thed saineunder uniform regulated tension, by forcing into the shell sections ofelastic material.

7. A process of making playing balls and other similar bodies,consisting in forming a hollow spherical shell, and placing the sameunder uniform regulated outward tension from within, by forcing into theshell sections of elastic material.

8. A process of making playing balls and other similar bodies,consisting in forming a hollow spherical shell, and placing the sameunder uniform permanently regulated tension at all points thereof fromwithin, by forcing into the shell sections of elastic material',

9. A process of making playing balls and other similar bodies,consisting in forming segments of a sphere, then uniting the segments,and finally placing the shell thus formed under tension, by forcing intothe shell sections of elastic material.

10. A process of making playing balls and other similaibodles,consisting in forming segments of a sphere, then uniting the segments,and finally placing the shell thus formed under permanent outwardtension, by forcing into the shell sections of elastic material.

11. A process of making playing balls and other similar bodies,consisting in forming segments of a sphere, then uniting the segments,and finally placing the shell thus lformed under tension from within, byforcing into the shell sections of elastic material.

12. A process of making playing balls and other similar bodies,consisting in forming segments of a sphere, then uniting the segments,and finally placing the shell thus formed under outward tension fromwithin, by forcing into the shell sections of elastic material.

13. A process of making playing balls and other similar bodies,consisting in forming segments of a sphere, then uniting the segments,and finally placing the shell thus formed under permanent outwardtension at all points thereof from within, by forcing into the shellsections of elastic material.

14. A process of making playing balls and other similar bodies,consisting in forming segments of a sphere, then uniting the segments,and finally placing` the shell thus formed under uniform regulatedtension, by forcing into the shell sections of elastic material.

15. A process of making playing balls and other similaibodies,consisting in forming segments of a sphere, thon uniting the segments,and finally placing the shell thus formed under uniform regulatedoutward tension 'from within, by forcing into the shell sections ofelastic material. l

1G. A process of making playing balls and other similar bodies,consisting in forming segments of a sphere, then uniting the segments,and finally placing the shell thus formed under uniform permanentlyregulated tension at all points thereof from within, by forcing into theshell sections of elastic material.

17. A process of making playing balls and other similar bodies,consisting in forming a hollow spherical shell, and forcing therein amaterial to constitute the internal structure of the ball, by .forcinginto the shell sections of elastic material.

18. A process ot' making playing balls and other similar bodies,consisting in forming a hollow spherical shell, and forcing therein anelastic material under compression, by forcing into the shell sectionsof elastic material.,

19. A process of making playing` balls and other similar bodies,consisting in forming a hollow spherical shell, and forcing therein amaterial tending to expand in all directions, by forcing into the shellsections of elastic material.

20. A process of making playing balls and other similar' bodies,consisting in forming a hollow spherical shell, and gradually forcingtherein sections of elastic material and imparting thereto a tendency toexpand in all directions.

21. A process of making playing balls and other similar bodies,consisting in forming a hollow spherical shell and perforating the same,then forcing into the shell through the perforation sections of elasticmaterial under compres sion, and finally closing the perforation.

22. A process of making playing balls and other similar bodies,consisting in forming segments of a sphere, then uniting the segments,and finally forcing into the shell thus formed sections of material toconstitute the internal structure of the ball.

23. A process of making playing balls and other similar bodies,consisting in forming segments of a sphere, then uniting the segments,and finally forcing into the shell thus formed sections of elasticmaterial under compresl sion.

24. A process of making playing balls and other similar bodies,consisting in forming segments of a sphere, then uniting the segments,and finally forcing into the shell thus formed sections of materialtending to expand in all directions.

Y 25. A process of making playing balls and other similar bodies,consisting` in forming segments of a sphere, then uniting the segments,and nally forcing into the shell thus formed sections of elasticmaterial and imparting thereto a tendency to expand in all directions.

2G. A process of making playing balls and other similar bodies,Vconsisting in forming segments of asphere and perforating the same, thenuniting the segments, then forcing into the shell through theperforation sections of elastic material, and nally closing` theperforation.

27. A process of making playing balls and other similar bodiesyconsisting in forming a hollow spherical shell, pro viding the same withperforations, and forcing blocks of elastic material into andcompressing the same in said shell.

28. A process of making playing balls an'd other similar bodies,consisting in forming segments of a sphere providing one of the segmentswith a perforation, then uniting the segments and nally forcing into theperforation blocks of elastic material and imparting to the latter thetendency to expand in all directions.

Signed at Nos. 9-15 Murray St., New York, N. Y., this 23rd day ofOctober, 1902.

FRANCIS H. RICHARDS.

Witnesses:

E. EVERETT ELLIS, JOHN O. SEIFERT.

